Heineken has agreed to acquire the Costa Rican premium artesian-water brand RainForest Water through its local subsidiary Distribuidora La Florida. Financial details were not disclosed. The transaction is still subject to approval by the Costa Rican competition authorities.
The acquisition would add a premium water brand with a strong focus on sustainability to Heineken’s growing non-alcoholic portfolio in Central America. It could also help RainForest Water reach new consumers through Heineken’s extensive sales and distribution network.
Founded in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica, RainForest Water bottles artesian water directly at its natural source. The company avoids conventional plastic bottles and instead sells its water in recyclable aluminium cans and reusable aluminium bottles.
Sustainability is a central part of the brand’s identity. According to the company, its operations are powered entirely by renewable energy. It is also involved in projects supporting reforestation, biodiversity, forest conservation, and local communities.
Ariel Aizenman, founder and chief executive officer of RainForest Water, described the agreement as an important step in the brand’s international development. He believes Heineken can provide the platform needed to enter new markets while preserving the company’s Costa Rican roots and environmental values.
For Heineken, the deal is another step towards becoming a broader beverage company rather than relying mainly on beer. Premium water, alcohol-free beer, soft drinks, and other non-alcoholic beverages are becoming increasingly important as consumers look for more choice and reduce their alcohol consumption.
The agreement follows Heineken’s major expansion in Costa Rica. In September 2025, the brewing group agreed to acquire the remaining 75% of Distribuidora La Florida and several other beverage and retail operations from its long-standing partner Florida Ice and Farm Company, or FIFCO, for approximately USD 3.2 billion (inside.beer, 23.9.2025).
The transaction was completed on January 30, 2026. Two months later, the group officially launched the combined business under the name Heineken Costa Rica (inside.beer, 4.4.2026).
The operation employs more than 4,600 people, runs four production plants and 13 distribution centres, and manages a portfolio of more than 50 brands. Heineken sees Costa Rica as an important hub for its activities across Central America.
According to the company, its Costa Rican business is already among Heineken’s five largest operations worldwide by operating profit. The integration of the former FIFCO businesses will continue during 2026.
